Expected jump in turnout yields only a fraction of voters

A mere 14 percent of registered voters turned out to vote Tuesday in Cape Girardeau County -- 7,311 out of 51,649.

Some Cape Girardeau County precincts reported lower or "steady" turnouts throughout the day, but numbers were expected to jump during the evening.

Voter turnout for an April election usually is about 8 to 10 percent, said Kara Clark Summers, Cape Girardeau County Clerk. Still, 14 percent for the county is "not as high as I thought it would be," she said, given the school board elections.

Perhaps the most talked about ballot item of the election was the use tax question, which was voted down roughly 2 to 1 in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, as well as Cape Girardeau County.

Cape Girardeau City Council contested seats in wards 1 and 2 were won by Joseph Uzoaru and Shelly Moore, respectively. Each received a little more than 60 percent of the vote.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger was re-elected, beating competitor Walter White with about 76 percent of the vote.

In Perry County, Mo., a little more than 21 percent of registered voters made their way to the polls Tuesday to cast their votes.

Ken Baer was named new mayor of Perryville, Mo., after collecting about 62 percent of the vote, defeating Debbie Gahan.

Twenty-one percent, or 1,759, Bollinger County, Mo., voters visited the polls.

Scott County, Mo., showed the largest voter turnout of the four counties -- nearly 25 percent.

The Chaffee School Board question regarding an increase in the bond initiative to allow additions and renovations to district buildings was voted through, allowing the board to borrow $2.9 million for improvements and additions.

ashedd@semissourian.com

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Pertinent addresses:

Cape Girardeau County, MO

Scott County, MO

Perry County, MO

Bollinger County, MO